Latifah — an Emmy, Golden Globe and GRAMMY winner — will receive the Icon Award in recognition of her achievements in music, film and TV. Last year GRAMMY-nominated rapper Nas was awarded the same honor.

The 2017 conference, which will take place Oct. 12–15 in Miami, is designed as an industry networking conference for those in the music and media content business.

"Influencers, music executives, songwriters, producers, bloggers, and music artists collide to create a collaborative networking space at this must-attend, one-of-a-kind forum that is designed to help guests do one thing; understand and navigate the evolution of the music business," says the website.

GRAMMY winner Lauryn Hill, SZA and Daniel Ceasar will perform during the gala in Latifah's honor on Oct. 14. Other performers throughout the conference include GRAMMY winner 2 Chainz, GRAMMY nominee French Montana and King Combs.

Ricky Martin Extends All In Las Vegas Residency

The GRAMMY winner has announced he will extend his stay in the city an additional 12 dates in 2018

Renée Fabian

GRAMMYs

Dec 20, 2017 - 2:30 pm

Ricky Martin is "Livin' La Vida Loca" in Las Vegas since he announced an additional 12 dates to his residency there, adding dates between March 15, 2018, and June 3.

The GRAMMY winner has been performing his All In residency since April at Park Theater at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Martin's show features 21 of his biggest hits, including crowd-pleasers such as "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Shake Your Bon Bon," "Cup Of Life," "La Bomba," and "Vente Pa' Ca."

This announcement follows a Sept. 4 documentary on VH1 titled "Ricky Martin: Behind The Vegas Residency," which gave viewers all the behind-the-scenes scoop on the singer/songwriter's sold-out residency so far.

John Legend On His Growth As A Songwriter

The news was announced on Dec. 19 on the "Today" show that Legend will step into the rock opera's title role. He joins previously announced shock rocker Alice Cooper, who will play the role of King Herod.

The live broadcast is directed by British theater director David Leveaux and will air on NBC on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018, in front of a live audience at the Marcy Armory in Brooklyn N.Y.'s Williamsburg neighborhood.

The production, "Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert!," is based on Webber's popular stage musical, which chronicles the final week of Jesus' life. The musical's soundtrack album earned three GRAMMY nominations for the composer for 1971 and 1972, including two Album Of The Year nods.

"I'm thrilled to join the cast of this production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar Live In Concert!' It's such a powerful, meaningful musical and I'm humbled to be part of this performance," Legend said, according to Billboard. "We've already formed an incredible team, and, as we finish casting, I'm certain we will put together some of the greatest talents around to do this work justice."

The GRAMMY winner is back with Jeremih to spread a little holiday cheer

Renée Fabian

GRAMMYs

Dec 18, 2017 - 12:31 pm

Get ready to "Jingle Bells all the way" with Chance The Rapper and Jeremih's deluxe reissue of their Christmas mixtape, Merry Christmas Lil' Mama.

Released for free last year via SoundCloud, Chance's holiday-themed mixtape featured tunes such as "All The Way," "Joy" and "I'm Your Santa" with fellow Chicagoan Jeremih.

The duo announced via Instagram in a faux infomercial they would be reprising their instant classic holiday album for 2017, this time with "a gang of new altxmas bangerz," such as "Big Kid Again" and "Down With Dat," featuring drumming contributions from Common and "Master Of None" actress Lena Waithe.

'Tis the season, and even Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart is getting in the holiday spirit. Billboard reports they usually see a yearly spike in holiday-themed tunes on their AC chart following Thanksgiving, and this year is no different.

Seal's "Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow" entered the chart at No. 18, closely followed by Gwen Stefani's "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" at No. 19. Tenor Russell Watson's "Do You Hear What I Hear" appeared at the No. 21 position, while Five For Fighting's "Christmas Where You Are," featuring Jim Brickman, landed at No. 24.

The band 98 Degrees' "Season of Love" came in at No. 25, marking their first Adult Contemporary chart hit since 2001. And of course, holiday music mainstay Mariah Carey lands on the chart at No. 28 with "The Star," followed by violinist Lindsey Stirling's "Christmas C'mon," featuring Becky G, hit No. 29.

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